**Official** Pakistan v New Zealand in the UAE 2014

[Zinzan]

Think Brownlie's actually worth pursuing at least for the first couple of the ODIs against SL. Still far from the finished product & no Jesse Ryder, but is good vs. pace & never far away from a boundary. Series average of 34 with a SR of 78.7 ain't so bad in the context.

I'm probably a buck each way on whether McCullum should open or not, but can't help think from a goodish base like today's (86/2 after 19), a middle order of Taylor, McCullum, Anderson & Ronchi is fairly daunting for the opposition.

 

[Meridio]

And now Kane denies Devcich a wicket by refusing the review

 

[Kippax]

Cribb always said Devcich would suit this role I think. Getting him living a troll's life at an opportune stage in the batting innings, and then trolling again with the ball.

 

[Prince EWS]

Cribb always said Devcich would suit this role I think. Getting him living a troll's life at an opportune stage in the batting innings, and then trolling again with the ball.

Yeah indeed. I was actually talking about T20 cricket in Asia specifically but there's obviously some overlap to one dayers.

 

[Howsie]

How good is this Henry bloke?

****ing. That's how good.

Yep, the kid is quality. No doubt whatsoever he's booked himself a spot in the World Cup squad after this series. The difference between he and McCleanaghan today was on show in the first 10 overs. Henry, great length, nice shape. McCleanaghan, half volleys (that were pounded straight to fielders surprise, surprise) with very little control.

I could watch Henry bowl all day, he's going to be a star.

 

[Niall]

I like Shezhad, but that innings was rotten.
Umar Akmal gone for nothing? Shocked.

 

[Niall]

so so bad from Umar, I know some defend him a lot of the time claiming the top order leave him to much to do, and now and then its fair enough, but that was ****e today and he had plenty of time to play himself in.

Still though a better innings from the abysmal Shafiq, who is poison in this format.

 

[BeeGee]

Williamson's bowling in this innings has been encouraging. Not threatening, but able to tie up an end.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Have no idea how Shafiq's got so many ODIs under his belt. He's awful.

 

[Prince EWS]

Have no idea how Shafiq's got so many ODIs under his belt. He's awful.

Yeah if they want someone to anchor the innings they're much better off picking Azhar Ali. He's a slow scorer, but not really any slower than Shafiq despite having less shots, and he actually knows how to score runs in one day cricket.

I'd just pick Maqsood but you knew that already.

 

[Niall]

Yeah if they want someone to anchor the innings they're much better off picking Azhar Ali. He's a slow scorer, but not really any slower than Shafiq despite having less shots, and he actually knows how to score runs in one day cricket.

I'd just pick Maqsood but you knew that already.

Azhar in this side would be awful and I like him as well. Younis, Shezhad and even Hafeez and Misbah can take their time so any other anchor isn't needed.

Maqsood is injured and Australia made him look a little muggy against the short ball in the last series, but like Alam is much more deserving of a spot in this side than the gruesome twosome Shafiq and Younis.

 

[Prince EWS]

Azhar in this side would be awful and I like him as well. Younis, Shezhad and even Hafeez and Misbah can take their time so any other anchor isn't needed.

Oh yeah I completely agree. That role isn't needed in this side. I just think Azhar would be better pick than Shafiq if they do want someone to play the role. Perhaps they think Shafiq is going to strike at 90 which is even more delusional than thinking he's going to anchor successfully.

 

[smash84]

the Pakistan ODI team is the pits. They really are really still stuck in the 90s

 

[Niall]

Poor way to get out in the end from Haris, but has had a wonderful series, its never going to happen, but if they were ever to wise up and get Azhar to open the tests with Shezhad, you could slot him easily into a middle order spot. He should have done enough to guarantee a world cup starting slot at least though.

Trying to pick what would be my ideal top seven for Pakistan world cup team and its really hard. Assuming Younis is a cert no matter how undeserving then maybe..

Shezhad
Sarfraz
Younis
Hafeez
Haris
Misbah
Umar

Its tough to know what the ideal position for Umar is, yep the higher you play him, its more likely he will get himself in and go big, but he is also just as likely to slog away away his wicket as he did when he batted at four against Lanka. Sarfraz opening could be a massive flop, but don't think Hafeez opening in NZ/Aus will do well either.

 

[Meridio]

Henry has to be in the World Cup squad.

 

[Howsie]

Yeah, they're really bad. Why Pakistan are bothering with Younis Khan I have no idea, he won't score a run in either New Zealand or Australia. Batting line up in general stinks, no direction whatsoever. I'm guessing they're missing a bowler or two through injury, Khan? Because apart from Irfan that looks rubbish too.

 

[Prince EWS]

Yeah, they're really bad. Why Pakistan are bothering with Younis Khan I have no idea, he won't score a run in either New Zealand or Australia. Batting line up in general stinks, no direction whatsoever. I'm guessing they're missing a bowler or two through injury, Khan? Because apart from Irfan that looks rubbish too.

Yeah their best fast bowler (Junaid) is injured.

 

[smash84]

With this kind of batting I can see Pakistan getting kicked out of the first round. At best they might qualify to the 2nd round as the bottom team from their pool

 

[Howsie]

Yeah, you're awesome Nathan McCullum....

Matt Henry on the other hand. WAG.

 

[Niall]

With this kind of batting I can see Pakistan getting kicked out of the first round. At best they might qualify to the 2nd round as the bottom team from their pool

Agreed. Pakistan more often than not should beat Zimbabwe and Ireland, but would you want to have money on it?

I know I will have my money on Zim and Ireland if the bookies give me nice prices. 5/1 probably.